Book SIX. THE FINALE of the New Parent Series. Love is a crazy thing. You would think it always leads to happiness. But it doesn’t. And when the road, to whatever destiny, finally ends, the hardest lesson to learn is that not every ending... is meant to be like a happy one.
I was not expecting this type of ending. JUSTICE FOR KATIE!!! I was drawn into this story by its emotional depth and well-written characters, especially Katie, who is kind, selfless, and enduring. But the ending was unfair Katie’s innocence and perseverance deserved so much more, while Apollo and Sabrina received the traditional “happily ever after.” Katie should have gotten a true happily ever after, and Sabrina should have been the one that got away. Their relationship quickly became unsettling because of the huge age gap and the repeated focus on Sabrina’s youthful, almost childlike traits, which made the romance uncomfortable and, frankly, creepy. Honestly, their story should have ended with her abortion it would have made the story far more meaningful and realistic, showing that not all love stories are meant to end in a fairy tale. Katie’s grace and humanity deserved real reward, not a bittersweet consolation. While it was heartwarming to see moments of family and love in the story especially towards the end with Apollo and Sabrina, the conclusion failed to honor Katie the way she truly deserved. And it should’ve been Sabrina’s fantasy not her reality. Apollo lived his life. He is a character who is in his 40s Sabrina was a child compared to him. Apollo should have just been her unforgettable first love that she moves on from !!! Despite this, I’m still eager to see what the author does next.:))
Ok. So, turns out there WAS a book six (ha!), but much of my review for Book 5 holds true. I wanted this book to give me everything I needed, but it kind of didn't. It was too long and repetitive, with Apollo and Sabrina having this kind of child-like romance that had me rolling my eyes, and I found myself skimming in parts.
Things I liked: Sabrina having some semblance of a backbone and at least trying to date and move on. Apollo didn't know what to do with himself and I was here for it!
And that's it, really.
The thing that I was looking forward to most (Katie finally having her eyes opened) was unsatisfying because of the way it played out. Meh. Why would her brother claim to love his sister and do that? He really was trash. Yes, he was pushed over the edge catching them yet again, but come on! Katie's reaction was anti-climactic, and her anger was short-lived, but I'll get to her.
Sabrina and Apollo - I never really grew to love Apollo or view him as anything other than a selfish, oversexed predator, truth be told. I felt for him in Book 5, but he went back to disappointing me in this book. Even when things all fell apart, and he had an out to be with Sabrina, his first instinct was still to hurt her and talk about how he loves his wife, and he wanted to work it out with her. I wanted to throw my phone at the wall. He took every opportunity to turn everything sexual and it was off-putting (going to the movies, any attempt at comfort - what are you? 15??). Everything was about him and his satisfaction, and that really came through when he never stopped during sex, even when Sabrina complained that things hurt (even though she eventually started to like it). He did love Sabrina, but he really just was not a good person, and no amount of backstory and long, drawn out books changed that. Ultimately, he loved himself most of all.
Katie's actions were par the course for wives written by this author, in that she was willing to debase herself to save her marriage, AT ANY COST. Her wanting to 'work things out' almost made me throw my phone. Lady, where is your dignity?? Why does this happen to you? Because you're stupid!! Even after it was clear that Apollo was with Sabrina and she was still talking about another chance. Lady, he does not want you!! Salvage your dignity and go find happiness!!
Sabrina continuing to be sexual with Apollo, all the while talking about not wanting to hurt Katie got old fast. We are in Book 6!! Either be a better person, or bend over and shut up. I really didn't have the patience. I kept reminding myself that she was young, which again brings us back to Apollo being trash. He kept saying he was older and should know better. Yes, yes, you should. Ultimately, both he and Sabrina said all the right things but still did what they did. Also, after what happened in Book 5, why are you all still having unprotected sex?? Brings me back to Apollo being an oversexed teenager lol.
As if the entire premise wasn't creepy enough, Sabrina losing weight, going from between 112 and 118lbs to 90lbs, and Apollo asking her to put her hair in two pigtails made me pump the brakes HARD. Like, why?? Eeyuck! Thank God he did not persist with that request. It was giving vibes I would rather not name.
Apollo's mother suddenly having a change of heart and being nice to Katie was nice, but not really realistic for me. In the last book, she was practically pushing Apollo into Sabrina's arms. What did she think would happen to Katie if he had listened to her? I guess she just wanted Apollo to outright divorce Katie and not cheat, but at the time she was encouraging an Apollo/Sabrina coupling he was still MARRIED and she was unconcerned.
The overcompensating at the end cheapened the story for me. Fine, we wanted a happy ending for Apollo and Sabrina, but this was really doing the most. The glimpse so far into the future, not to mention And, of course, because everything is Apollo-centered,
To further add to the overcompensation, Yes, Katie was dumber than a box of rocks, but she deserved better than that ending.
Sooo yeah, this author is very talented, but their choice of subject matter makes me think I need a break for a good bit. LOL
Alexandria da GREAT you outdid yourself with this one!
Everything Alexandria da Great write is excellent! BUT THIS!!!! This was amazing and had me feigning for more with each book dropped in this series. I appreciate and so very thankful that this phenomenal author pushes out her books within weeks of each other and we don’t have to wait a significant amount of time between each book which is impressive due to the qualify her work.
Man this story! Throughout it all I had hoped Apollo and Sabrina ended up together despite their unfavorable beginnings, it made the storyline that much more was realistic. This story gave me a rollercoaster of emotions! It made me laugh, cry, hurt, hopeful of what could be and in the end everything came together perfectly! Better than I hoped!!! I love it!!!! Alexandria, I love all your work even the ones that had me clutching my pearls, but this is some of your best work yet!!!
I loved these books, however I wasn’t impressed with the ending of this one…seemed rushed and the epilogue wasn’t fulfilling to me. I am glad that Apollo and Sabrina got their happy ending and Katie got the baby she always wanted but this book wasn’t as good as the other 5. I will say A da G is a talented writer and she knows how to bring the heat, the hurt, the cries and she’s not afraid to go places you wish she would wouldn’t! Like the Dante series these were fun to read and I look forward to what she writes next!
You know, I was really trying to make light of the dynamics but…. I’m Team Sabrina. Even with her circumstances, she gave them all her heart, undeserved nonetheless, but she still saw the good.
Apollo… ugh… if only…
So many things happened in this series that had me questioning my own moral compass. I really wanted them to be happy together considering.
What a rollercoaster whirlwind of a series! I have never read a story or series like this one. Gut wrenching, heartbreaking, romantic, sexy, spicy, emotional, hilarious, sad, joyous, loving....I could go on. I don't condone cheating but I did for the first time ever in this series. I was rooting for Sabrina and Apollo but warily not at the expense of Katie's feelings. Something had to give unfortunately. The author Alexandria Da Great is one of the best writers of today, with fantastic character development and story writing that is truly jaw droppingly shocking the heck out of you at times. No fear. She will go there, and it makes for a firecracker of a story and series. I am so very happy that the story continued way beyond my expectations. A fitting ending and epilogue. Nothing left unsaid between them. If you like to be pulled emotionally in different directions please read this series. I know it will stay with me for months, and I will go back at read again in future.
Very much enjoyed this series and I was pleasantly surprised by this finale book! I had my predictions going into this and none of them were right (in a good way). I am so happy that who I wanted together in the end actually happened 🤗
My only feedback is this:
- Would have liked Apollo’s mom to have had more of a presence in this book - The situation with Katie got wrapped up too fast - I was surprised Trilogy didn’t have more of a role in this book as well
There is so much that I don’t like but it doesn’t kill the interest and anticipation I have with the story. I really don’t know how to rate it. I’m surprised that I enjoyed it even though there is so much I would have wanted to change.
The story is in justified cheating and that makes it unpalatable but you can help wonder how it all works out.
This is my second series by the author. I would read a third.
This series had me soooo stressed out in all the best ways (if that makes any sense). lol I love some slow burn tension and drama. This had me telling everybody what was going on as I read. I couldn’t help it. I was that on the edge of my seat I had to tell somebody. Oops lol well just read it for yourself and you will see. I can’t wait to read her next books!
I’m glad it ended the way it did. I don’t think Apollo and Katie would have been that happy and settled if they had stayed together. Because the chemistry between Apollo and Sabrina was insane. They stayed in-sync and attracted to each throughout. I’m glad Katie did get to be a mother. I liked the story a lot especially book four. Can’t wait for the next read.
The ending was beautiful. I loved it. It was perfect. I have nothing else to say. I think you have become my favorite author. Not me crying right now...I love Apollo and Sabrina so much
All I can say is...Sabrina's genes did not put up a fight lol. Really enjoyed this series. There were ups and downs and my anxiety was through the roof. But I enjoyed every chapter. Thank you.
I love this writer. I wish there was more books like this out there dealing with all the emotions you go through being in a relationship. I like Katie, but I was rooting for Apollo and Sabrina.
Sometimes I'm mad at the characters, but overall I enjoyed reading thus entire series. I've here read this author's work before. I'm glad I did. Gonna check to seen if she has other books out and what is her voice in those. Goid job!
Since Katie found her happiness i can give Sabrina and Apollo a pass. Especially after how beautiful their life together was. I imagine that if he had stayed, and never crossed the line with Sabrina they all 3 would have messed their true blessings.